Thomas Clair Kellner, age 80 of Humboldt, formerly of Livermore, passed away April 24, 2025, at his home. Funeral services are currently pending. Lentz Funeral Home of Humboldt is assisting the family.
Tom was born December 5, 1944, to Cyril and Adella (Hildman) Kellner at family home in rural Bode, Iowa. Tom was the third child of fourteen children. He attended St. Joseph School in St. Joe Iowa. In 1963, he graduated Garrigan High School in Algona Iowa in 1963. He received a Diploma for Auto Mechanics from Universal Trade School after graduation at Omaha Nebraska in Auto Mechanics. From 1965 to 1971 Tom served as a member of the Iowa National Guard Army BTRY B1ST BN 194 ARTY. In 1969, Tom married Joan Marie Berte in Bancroft, Iowa. Tom and Joan had five children.
Tom liked being a part of the livestock industry. He raised cattle, hogs, and maintained a cow/calf herd. Tom had many horses through the years, but Lucky was his favorite. All of the children learned to ride on him. At one time he was part of the Humboldt and Livermore Saddle Clubs. Tom was a Field man for the Carroll Livestock Auction at one time and worked closely with the Dunlap Livestock Auction. He enjoyed sharing the farm life with his children. All of them owned rain suits and boots to bed the many A-Houses for pigs. Another “enjoyable” activity each spring with the kids was picking up rocks. Tom and Joan loved playing cards. They played cards 54 Years with the same club of childhood friends. He especially loved his kid’s friends and all the excitement it brought to the household. He never knew who would be asleep on his sofa bed in the basement and many times more than three or four!
Tom is survived by his wife Joan of 55 years. Children Matthew (Nette)Kellner Livermore, Iowa; Mark (Lynn) Kellner Hardy, Iowa; Julie (Kent) Clendenen, Humboldt; Carolyn (Joaquin) Benefiel, West Des Moines; and John Kellner of Livermore, Iowa.
Also surviving are grandchildren Stephanie Kellner; Megan (Colby) Miller; Samantha (Cliff) McKinney; Wyatt, Whitney, and Tricia Kellner, Zach and Hailey Clendenen, Melia and Kennadie Benefiel; Johanah, Janelle, and Jackalyn Kellner. Great Grandchildren are Roman Brown; Sage, Ruger and Logan McKinnley; and Nichalas Taltan.
He is survived by siblings Sr. Marcine Kellner, Edward (Louise) Kellner, Marilyn Spencer, Cyrilla (Frank) Everett, Jim (Ruth) Kellner, Luke (Sharon) Kellner, Donna (Dave Salz), George (Sue) Kellner, Karla (Dan) McKibban, Marcine Schoo, and Susie (Dean) Lallier. He is survived by brothers and sister in laws Caroll Primrose, Marita Cook, Mary Berte, Phil (Patty) Berte, Debra (Al) Kahler, Linda (Keith) Meyer, Diane Munyer, Teresa (Steve Mulligan, Ann Mulligan, Ruth (Bob) Nemmers, Carl (Jennifer) Berte, Steve (Mary Kay) Berte, Delta Berte, and Dan (Pam) Berte. His family also included 71 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Cyril and Adella Kellner, Glen Kellner, and Ruth Primrose. In-laws include Mother and Father In-law August and Eleanor Berte, Arnie Berte, Kenny and Mary Ellen Bergman, and Edward Berte, and Michael Cook.
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